The Holy Year in Italy

Learn more about the happenings in the Eternal City during the Holy Year 2016 and what makes it so special.

May 27, 2016

The Jubilee of Mercy

To Roman Catholics, the Jubilee is considered a year of reconciliation and forgiveness of sins. Pope Francis declared that 2015 to 2016 is an extraordinary Jubilee Year, which are rare events, having only been declared three times in 700 years. Take the opportunity to experience Italy’s Roman culture by becoming involved in this special and sacred year of celebration and reflection.

Events

From December 2015 to May 2016, the Pope toured Rome opening the holy jubilee doors of all seven Jubilee Basilicas. May 29, 2016 will celebrate The Solemnity of Corpus Christi in Italy. June has two main celebrations; the solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, and the 160th anniversary of the introduction of the Feast by Pius IX. July celebrates World Youth Day, and in September awaits with several events including a Celebration of the Memorial of Mother Teresa as well as several jubilee celebrations. October until November is the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. There will also be a jubilee for prisoners taking place in St. Peter’s Basilica. On November 20, 2016, the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy ends with the closing of the holy door in St Peter’s Basilica.

Notes

A large number of people are expected to come to Rome and experience the Jubilee. Pilgrims are welcome to come and pass through the special Jubilee door of any of the Basilicas. Doing so means that spiritually they repent their sins and are forgiven by God. To participate in this event, you must register first. When going to events during the Year of Mercy, it is best to take as little as possible with you in order to get through security faster. Check the list of items that are prohibited, and leave everything non-essential at your hotel.

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Since 1906, The Westin Excelsior, Rome has hosted celebrities, statesmen, and artists visiting the Eternal City. The hotel, which was named to Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List, enjoys a prime location in the celebrated Via Veneto district.

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